### Answer --- To make or receive phone calls with your agent, yes—you need either a purchased or imported phone number. [(1) ]() [(2) ]() Your options: 1. Purchase a number from Retell – US and Canada numbers are available directly through the dashboard or API. [(2) ]() 2. Import a number – If you want to use numbers from other countries or your own telephony provider (like Twilio or Telnyx) , you can import them via the [Import Phone Number API]() . [(3) ]() [(2) ]() Once you have a number, you bind your agent to it (as inbound and/or outbound agent) , and it's ready to handle calls. [(1) ]() [(4) ]() Note: You can also test your agent in the dashboard's web interface without a phone number—just click "Test" on your agent. [(4) ]() But for actual phone calls, a number is required.

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Outbound Calls (Make Calls)](https://docs.retellai.com/deploy/outbound-call) [[2] Purchase phone number](https://docs.retellai.com/deploy/purchase-number) [[3] Import Phone Number](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/import-phone-number) [[4] Build your first phone agent in 5 minutes](https://docs.retellai.com/get-started/quick-start) ​

Feel free to tag @AI Evy with additional questions. I also appreciate feedback, it helps me improve.